Paramus DPW workers rallying for colleague

Paramus DPW employee Sean Cullen (center wearing a black hat) is joined by family, friends and colleagues during a fundraiser last weekend. Cullen, 26, is battling stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and his support network is rallying behind him.

Members of the Paramus Department of Public Works (DPW) are working together to help support their friend and colleague Sean Cullen, who has been out of work since early September as he battles stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

The 26-year-old Saddle Brook resident has worked with the DPW for more than four years, supporting his wife Ruthe and two children, Sean Jr., 2, and Jack Jameson, 1. Before his diagnosis, Cullen also worked in security at the Garden State Plaza and did landscaping.

He has run out of sick and vacation time, and DPW workers do not receive disability pay.

"We all have families, that's what's killing us right now," co-worker Gary Dasilva said. "We're just hoping he pulls through this."

Many of his co-workers at the DPW have donated their unused sick time, but they are continuing to look for more ways to help Cullen and his family in their time of need.

DPW workers Dasilva, Karl Vander Sluis and Kevin Osiadicz worked together to start a fundraiser to help raise money for Cullen's treatments and to help support his family.

"We're here for him because he's down right now. He doesn't have the income, and he has a family to worry about," Dasilva said. "We're praying he gets better."

Before his diagnosis, Cullen was happy to help out at work and in the community, according to Vander Sluis.

"We do a food drive for the food bank every year, and he's always there to help," Vander Sluis said.

The workers at the DPW all help each other, according to Osiadicz. Should their positions be reversed, Cullen's colleagues agreed that he would be the one stepping up to help them out.

"He's the kind of guy that goes out of his way for you," Osiadicz said.

Cullen's fundraiser was held at the Paramus Elks Club on Oct. 20, featuring a pasta dinner, tricky tray with items donated by local businesses and a 50/50 raffle. The event sold out completely, which Vander Sluis attributed to the generosity of the community and their desire to help one of their own.

The extra income came at the right time, as Cullen traveled to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City on Oct. 22 for a second CAT scan, according to Vander Sluis. The test would determine if his current treatment is working, and whether he will have to be admitted into the hospital.

While the dinner has passed, the DPW is still accepting donations on Cullen's behalf. Checks can be made out to Sean Michael Cullen and dropped off at the DPW office at 1 Jockish Square. The DPW is also selling T-shirts for $20. For more information or other arrangements for donations, call Karl Vander Sluis at 201-522-0492.

Residents can also purchase an airbrushed hat by contacting Felicia Kulhawy at 551-579-3046 or a wristband by contacting Nick Tarabocchia at 551-795-1737. Proceeds from sales and donations will go toward supporting Cullen and his family.